If you have an extra-wide window, installing curtain rods can seem daunting. Not only do you have more to work with, you also have to worry about center sag, which can look odd or even damage your rod. Fortunately, installing extra-long curtain rods isn’t as tricky as it seems; keep these key considerations in mind to ensure installation goes as smoothly as possible.
Measure
How do you know if you need an extra-long rod? By measuring, of course! Use our measuring guide to accurately obtain the correct measurements for your curtain rods. Note that extra-long rods span greater than 120 inches; anything shorter is considered standard size.
Install
Good news—installing extra-long curtain rods is the same as installing standard rods. Just position the mounts, drill the necessary holes, and fasten the supports into place, then hang your rod and curtains.
Reinforce
Once you install your rods, there are a few extra steps you need to take. Because extra-long curtain rods are heavier and longer, they need reinforcement. Without this reinforcement, they can sag, fall, or break. To ensure your rods are as sturdy as possible:
- Use heavy-duty rods and mounts;
- Use longer screws for plaster walls;
- Use multiple center brackets, placing them 30 inches apart across the rod; and
- Use a drywall anchor.
You can also prevent sagging by using curtain rings to disperse the weight of your curtains more evenly.
These three main factors for installing extra-long curtain rods will make putting up your new rods a breeze—it just requires a few extra precautions to ensure your hardware is as durable as possible.
At Paso Robles Ironworks, we have a variety of hand-forged iron curtain hardware, from rods to finials to mounts and more. Our black wrought iron curtain rings are great for use with heavy curtains and extra-long rods. Shop our inventory today to find high-quality, rustic curtain hardware for your home.